The uses for shemaghs in first aid are only limited by the imagination. It is a tool that ultimately should be considered a multitool in two senses of the word. First, shemaghs have a variety of uses in first aid and many other applications in their original form. Second, consider that the shemagh can be cut or torn into pieces to meet the needs of the moment. For other tools to carry in a first aid kit see this article, https://www.bepreparedatoz.com/20-first-aid-kit-yes/
Shemaghs can be purchased online, but buyer beware. Many of the shemaghs available online are made in foriegn countries and are not made of color safe materials. The first shemagh in my collection was an army green color. After washing it multiple times, there was still green dye coming out in the rinse water. Since that first aquisition, most of the shemaghs in my collection are “homemade”.
To be fair, the work is done by someone else. At the store: 1. search out a flannel that is printed on both sides. 2. Carefully choose the right thickness for the expected use in your system. (Yes, these fabrics come in different thicknesses.) 3. Determine from the end of the bolt, how wide is the fabric. 4. Have the cutter cut on the pattern. Most flannels have a pattern like a plaid or other design with lines. 5. Take it home and wash it like any new fabric. DONE!!! Watch for sales on flannels at your local fabric outlets. Hobby Lobby and Joanne Fabrics run some amazing sales after Christmas and throughout the spring.
Cooling Compress
Whether the victim is comfortable at home or out in the field, burns are a distraction. Generally, most of the pain from these non-critical 1st-degree burns is generated by the heat in the burn. A sunburn, for example, generally does not hurt while the person is in the sun. The pain comes in as the heat that has been absorbed from the source continues to burn the victim. There are times when placing the person’s head under the faucet with cold running water is not the best choice.
Enter the cool compress. Take the shemagh and wet it to the point where it is almost drippy wet. The shemagh should not be dripping, but almost dripping. The next step is to place the shemagh over the burned area. The shemagh should be “flipped” when it begins to feel hot to the victim. The victim should keep flipping the shemagh until the heat is completely gone from the burn area.
Testing to make sure the heat is gone is a very necessary step. To determine whether the heat has been removed, place a hand on the burn area. If the burned area feels warm, continue to apply the shemagh. If the burned area stays cold to the touch, remove the shemagh. This cooling process takes more time than placing the burned area under cold running water.
Pressure Dressing
The shemagh can be wrapped around the limb with the thickest center part over the wound and then wrap both ends all the way around the limb and then tied over the wound. This should be tied snug and not too tight or too loose. Tourniquets will be discussed later.
Hemostatic Dressing
A hemostatic dressing is used on wounds that are bleeding profusely and are not on a limb. The shemagh can be used to pack the would just like a commercially obtained dressing. Shemaghs don’t have the blood clotting capabilities of commercial hemostatic dressings, but in an emergency may save a life. I HIGHLY recommend that you take a class for the latest information on hemostatic dressings. Please take a first aid class from a certifying organization like the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.
Tourniquet
The shemagh can be used with a stick or other hard device to create a tourniquet. Tourniquets should not be used for anything other than severe life-threatening bleeding. I HIGHLY recommend that you take an up-to-date class for the latest information on severe bleeding. I encourage you to take a first aid class from a certifying organization like the Emergency Care and Safety Institute.
Cleaning a wound
Shemaghs are made of cloth and can be used just like a washcloth. Please be aware that many shemaghs are made in countries where the dyes used are not permanent. Please wash it multiple times by itself and like colors so the dye does not ruin other items.
Splint
Generally, the shemagh is used to tie a splint to an injured limb, (ie. a cravat, see below). However, think of the possibilities for splinting a hand. This is a situation where the whole hand needs to be immobilized and this might be the best tool in the toolbox. (I know we could debate fingers as part of the hand). I am talking about the core of the hand and/or multiple fingers involved.
Padding
A pad under the head for a seizure, (depending on your training). Padding in a splint situation is two-fold. I could simply be a pad between a rough splint, (stick), and the skin. Or, it could be a spacer for an out-of-shape limb between the splint and the limb. Since every splinting injury is different, having a flexible use tool is a valuable resource.
Sling
By definition, a sling is a type of splint when properly applied. Most people see it differently. In a very serious situation where the arm must be immobilized, the shemagh could be both sling and binder. Yes, the shemagh will have to be cut, but remember, shemaghs are replaceable.
Cravat
This is simply using the shemagh or strips from the shemagh to hold the splint in place with the limb. As each splint is different, the number of cravats may vary. Since cotton cuts/tears easily, the shemagh could become multiple pieces very quickly. Use your imagination
Ice Pack
Place ice, snow, or frozen objects in the shemagh and use it as the bag for an ice pack. It will leak, but the cold can be placed where it needs to be for that person in the moment.